National Providers Forum National Providers Forum April 2009April 2009

Venue ExclusionsMaking it Work- The

Mainland View

Use of the Exclusion Process around the World

• Many Countries have rules for self-exclusion from Gambling Venues

• Intended for self protection against problem gambling

• Pre commitment not to gamble• Intended to be enforceable• Typically include:

– Forfeiture of chips, – Removal from mailing lists– Removal from the venue

Self Banning Procedure in NZ

Identify as a problem gambler and request an exclusion order

Can be done by sending a letter to the venue

We include a photo

The venue sends out an exclusion order and sometimes a trespass order

Use Self-banning Procedure in New Zealand

N=35Gender- Male 21 Female 14

Ages 18 - 73years (one client deceased)

Months Gamble Free 2 - 23 months

Months to First Gamble Minimum 5 months

Number of venues banned from 1- 45

Motivation to Self Ban- Family, Frustration, Feeling powerless

Not mentioned as motivation- Court, Employer

Head Injury 3 AOD 10 Sig Mental Health Dis 7

Some Info

No Gambling between self ban and Follow-up 29 clients

Gambling less than 5 times since self ban 4 clients

Regular Gambling 2 clients

Common Reaction Relief- Improved quality of life

Less common

A few gambles and long periods of abstinence Dramatically improved qualityof life

Uncommon Gambling unchanged or worse

Some More Info

In June 2007 a Problem Gambler in CHCH identified herself to all venues in the area

•Only 80 (46%) of venues responded

•Most venues that did respond did not respond correctly

In a similar case in Northland in 08

•Only 50% of venues responded

•However there were no incorrect responses

Some More Info

Te Kahui Hauora o Ngati Koata Te Kahui Hauora o Ngati Koata Trust and PGFTrust and PGF

Using the Exclusion Process Using the Exclusion Process EffectivelyEffectively

Te Kahui HauoraO Ngati Koata Trust

Mathew McMillanDr Phillip Townshend

Exclusion Orders designed to Support Problem Gambler’s decision to Stop Gambling.

•PGer’s often have a history of coping in positive ways

•Important to respond quickly and provide information and a choice of treatment options. Treatment usually involves couples/whanau and may consist of:

Information giving

Problem solving

Planning on how to deal with triggers for gambling

Desensitization

Medication

Self exclusion

Exclusion – Where it fits

• Certain PG Venues = “Venue Visits”

•

• Venues didn’t understand Exclusion process/ resistant

• 2 year maximum exclusion

Initially

Exclusions in Wakatu/ Wairua

• Approximately 80 since 2003 (Mainstream and Maori Services)

• Most Exclusion Orders supported through PG Services

Basic Process• Client aware of exclusion option and asks to be excluded• Counsellor discusses process, gambling law and venues

to be excluded from.• Letter signed and photo taken.• Follow-up appointment made.

• Relationship with Venues/DIA – regular contact (venue/trust initiated exclusions).

• 6month exclusion and colour photo

• Follow-up with Excluded Person

Making It Work

Clients and Venues On-board?

Pokie players are “normal” just like us

• Self-ban can be an effective tool

• Working towards a more effective system

• Maintaining link between Venues and PG Advice

• Maintaining focus on Problem Gambler

Summary - The Future?